We have formally submitted our Race to the
Top Phase 3 application, which will allow us to move forward
with Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives
as well as significant portions of our reform initiatives. We
won the $43 million grant through our strong showing in the
previous Race to the Top competitions and should receive final
approval and access to the funds prior to the end of the year.
Half of the funding we receive will be used by the Illinois
State Board of Education to build up the overall educational
infrastructure in the state, while approximately $21 million
will be reserved for districts that wish to move more
aggressively in the implementation of our reform agenda. We will
be providing inf ormation to you on how interested districts may
apply to participate in Race to the Top 3. You may review the
entire application on our website at
http://www.isbe.net/racetothetop/PDF/phase3_app.pdf.
Last week we learned that we were not chosen for under the Early
Learning Challenge. This was obviously disappointing, but we put
together a very competitive application that we will use as a
planning tool for the future. We will work with Governor Quinn's
office, the Department of Human Services and stakeholder groups
to determine which parts we will be able to move forward with
and which will have to be shelved until additional funding
becomes available.
Finally, I'd like to wish everyone happy holidays. The Weekly
Message will take a break and be back after the New Year.
I hope you are able to spend time with family and friends and
enjoy the spirit of the season.
Chris
